Army foils deadly IED attack in Abia forest, uncovers multiple explosives

Troops of 145 Battalion (Rear) of Nigerian Army have successfully uncovered and neutralized multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Umuchima forest, in Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia State.

The development was made known in a statement signed by Captain Muyiwa Ayara, for Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Ohafia , on Friday.

The statement said that the operationwas conducted in the early hours of Friday, April 3, 2026, following credible intelligence obtained by the Brigade Intelligence Regiment.

It said that detailed analyses of the information obtained prompted troops to launch a deliberate clearance and fighting patrol into the forest during which four IEDs were discovered strategically placed at multiple locations within the forest.

“The devices were believed to have been planted as part of a coordinated effort to deny troops freedom of movement and protect suspected insurgent enclaves within the area.

“Accordingly, the 14 Brigade Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were immediately deployed to manage the threat.

“The IEDs were safely detonated insitu, while some components were carefully recovered and transported to a secure location for further technical analysis,” the statement said.

The Army explained that the recovery of the explosives will aid the ongoing intelligence exploitation and provide insights into the operational methods of the insurgent group.